Chairman: Terrorism, Russian Aggression Threaten European Security

By Lisa Ferdinando

Army News Service

ROME, Jan. 19, 2015 – Terrorism and Russian aggression are two "very distinct threats" to European security, according to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told Italian counterpart Chief of Defense Adm. Luigi Binelli Mantelli and Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti each of those threats requires a "different kind of cooperation."

The leaders discussed a variety of topics in meetings here today, including threats to Italy's southern flank. Dempsey praised Italy for its significant contributions to coalition missions, including in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The threat from Islamic terrorists will not get any easier, the chairman said.

"I think this threat is probably a 30-year issue," he said, noting that terrorists easily recruit young fighters via the Internet. Counter-messaging is one of the lines of strategy in defeating extremists, he said.

Italy has made important contributions to the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, the chairman said.

Extremism and Russian Aggression

For the first time in a "very long time," the United States and its allies are facing the "very distinct threats" of a conventional state threat from Russia, Dempsey said, and the unconventional threat of terrorism from extremists.

"Where Italy sits, strategically, you're faced with the reality of dealing with both of those threats, as we are; I think that draws us closer together," he said.

There is concern, both sides noted, that foreign fighters could be moving through Italy's and NATO's southern flanks. Close to 170,000 refugees have come through Italy's shores in the past year.

Dempsey said the approach in dealing with extremism should consider the swath of countries from the Middle East to Africa, where ISIL and other terrorist groups operate.

"Looking at it one country at a time is not the answer," he said, noting he and other allies will discuss the issue Wednesday and Thursday in NATO meetings in Brussels.

He said Russian aggression will also be a topic in the NATO talks.

'Deliberate' Pace in Iraq

Italy has made tremendous contributions to international missions, he said. Thousands of Italian troops are currently deployed in various operations including in Iraq, Kosovo, the Horn of Africa, and with the United Nations mission in Lebanon.

Italy and the U.S. are the top contributors of on-the-ground trainers and advisors who are enabling the Kurds and Iraqis in the fight against extremists, defense officials noted.

Dempsey thanked Italy for its commitment to Iraq's peace and security, saying, "You contributed and are continuing to contribute meaningful capabilities there."

The chairman described the pace of military efforts in Iraq as "deliberate" and steady.

"Fast is not what we are looking for," he said.

The chairman said it is important to maintain a pace that ensures the Iraqi forces lead the effort as the Iraqi government moves to bridge the sectarian divides that have plagued the nation.

"This must be their fight," he said.

Strong Partner to the United States

Dempsey and the Italian officials praised the strong ties between their countries.

"Our bilateral relationship has probably never been stronger, at least in recent years," Dempsey said, remarking that Italy is a key ally and valuable partner to the United States.

"I think that's a combination of factors; one is our deep history and the fact that our two people are so intertwined both here and back in the United States," he said.

'Great Foundation' for New Italian Chief of Defense

Dempsey thanked Binelli Mantelli, who is retiring next month, for his dedicated service to Italy and its allies, and in keeping Italy safe.

"It's a great compliment to you," Dempsey said. "You've established a great foundation for (incoming Chief of Defense) Gen. (Claudio) Graziano to build on."

Dempsey, Italian Officials to Discuss Security Concerns

By Lisa Ferdinando

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

ROME, Jan. 18, 2015 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is in Italy to discuss threats to Italy's southern flank and get the Italian perspective on the country's security issues, ahead of a two-day NATO meeting in Brussels.

The Italians are great military partners who have "stepped up in any number of missions," Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said in an interview here today.

Dempsey, who arrived in Rome earlier in the day, is to meet Monday with his Italian counterpart, Chief of Defense Adm. Luigi Binelli Mantelli, as well as Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti.

The talks with this "key ally" come at an important time, Dempsey said.

"There have been approximately 160,000 immigrants from North Africa into Italy, (that) puts a huge burden on them, so they have some real concerns about their southern flank," he said.

Dempsey and European defense officials have expressed concern about the possible flow of foreign fighters, via the southern flank.

Dempsey lauded the Italians for their contributions to global military efforts, including in the United Nations mission in Lebanon, and against terrorists with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.

Italy's leadership in NATO is critical to global security, particularly in the Mediterranean, according to the chairman, who also underscored the U.S. commitment to strong relations with Italy.

Italy and the U.S. are the top two contributors of on-the-ground trainers and advisors who are enabling the Kurds and Iraqis in the fight against extremists, defense officials noted.

There are more than 4,000 Italian service members serving overseas in Kosovo, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa on a number of missions, including peacekeeping, training, and counter-piracy missions, they said.

Allies gather in Brussels Wednesday, Thursday

"In my three and a half years (as chairman) this is probably going to be the most important meeting of NATO's military leaders during that period," Dempsey said.

It is of such high importance, he said, because the representatives are "going to talk about the hard work that's been done at the staff level to meet those commitments" that were made in September at the Wales summit.

The NATO Military Committee conference in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday is expected to include discussion on NATO's southern flank, Afghanistan, and efforts against ISIL.

Dempsey said he is looking forward to also hearing from the Italians about Italy's view on Eastern Europe and "aggressiveness" from Russia.

"The way they see it will determine how they balance their priorities and their resources," he said.

"Our relationship vis-a-vis Russia has changed. I don't think it's irreversibly changed," he said. "I think that in the next year, you'll find NATO in particular working toward determining how to react to that changed relationship."

Dempsey highlighted the importance of U.S.-NATO collaboration and maintaining strong ties with European allies.

"It's all about building relationships so that when things don't turn out the way you hope they will, you have a foundation to build on," he said.

Holy See Meetings

On Sunday, Dempsey met with the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Kenneth Hackett, and several Vatican officials.

The goal was to "gain insight" and discuss the fight against Ebola and extremist threats, according to Dempsey's spokesman, Air Force Col. Ed Thomas.

Dempsey to attend high-level defense meetings in Rome, Brussels

By Lisa Ferdinando

Army News Service

ROME, Jan. 18, 2015 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey arrived here today for meetings with senior Italian defense officials.

Italy is a critical ally in the fight against terrorism, defense officials said, noting the nation’s strong contribution to the operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

"Italy is a key defense cooperation partner for the United States and is a recognized leader in international efforts against ISIL and in Afghanistan, Libya, Lebanon, the Balkans and Syria," said a defense official speaking on background.

Additionally, the United States military is thankful for the leadership role of the Italians on NATO's southern flank, the official said.

"We look forward to their continued support in building the capacity of NATO's partners in the Mediterranean and North Africa," the defense official said.

Following Rome, the chairman travels on to Brussels to attend a two-day NATO Military Committee conference, where he will meet with international allies to discuss issues including Afghanistan and the fight against ISIL.